'Duck Dynasty' Willie Robertson Family Sued by Drive-By Suspect ... Guy Claims Defamation
The man who was arrested and charged for a drive-by shooting of "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson's house is now suing Willie and his family, claiming he was wrongfully arrested ... and defamed by the family.
This is a strange one, for sure, but Daniel Dean King is suing Willie, Willie's son John Luke Robertson, and John's wife Mary Kate ... alleging he's suffered from being incarcerated and took an unfair hit to his reputation.
In docs, obtained by TMZ, King says John and Mary reported they were targets of a drive-by shooting on April 24, 2020 while they were home with their child -- which led to King's arrest -- but he claims their statements to cops were "calculated, false and ultimately defamatory."
According to the suit, King claims the cops did not properly investigate the case before arresting him, and wrongly -- he believes -- charging him with felony aggravated assault by drive-by shooting.
Despite his allegations in the lawsuit, there's still an active criminal case against King -- and according to the 4th Judicial District DA's Office ... the charge against him has been changed to felony illegal use of a dangerous weapon.
King -- who appears to have filed the suit without a lawyer -- goes on to accuse Willie and John of publicizing his arrest and making defamatory statements, which he claims were intended to hurt his rep.
Along with suing Willie's family for damages, he's going after Robertson's Duck Commander company and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office too.
As we first told you ... when King was arrested, he allegedly admitted to police he was the shooter and told them he "had been drinking Vodka during this incident." The Robertsons were also granted a restraining order against him. So, his lawsuit reads like a desperate attempt to get some revenge on the family.
We've reached out to Willie, but no word back yet.
related articles
L.A. Co. Supervisor Janice Hahn Returning Black Family's Stolen Land ... It's Time to 'Make Amends'
-
Exclusive
- 10.4K shares
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn says the rest of the country needs to get on board with righting obvious wrongs ... just as L.A. is by returning a Black family's beachfront property, which was stolen from them almost 100 years ago.
Hahn joined "TMZ Live" Friday and explained why she led the effort to return the land -- known as Bruce's Beach in the city of Manhattan Beach -- to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce. The couple owned and operated a beach resort there in the 1920s.
A little history lesson first ... Willa and Charles bought the land in 1912 and created a beach resort catering to Black residents. Fast-forward to 1924, when the city used eminent domain to seize the property and force the resort out of business by 1929.
The land sat dormant for decades ... until a park was finally built in 1960 and eventually renamed Bruce's Beach. The Bruce family sued claiming they were victims of a racially motivated removal campaign.
Fast-forward to now and Hahn says the right thing to do was return the land to its rightful owners. It's interesting ... Hahn says she learned to swim in the ocean a couple of blocks from where Bruce's Beach is located and never knew about this injustice.
She believes it's the first time in our nation a government has given land back to an African-American family to make amends for past discriminatory policies.
It's a fascinating story, and you can see Hahn's full interview Friday on "TMZ Live" (check local listings) -- but she firmly believes it's time for America to wake up and make amends.
related articles
Capitol Insurrection Alleged Rioter Brags on Bumble ... Gets Banned From App!!!
-
Exclusive Details
- 2.8K shares
11:04 AM PT -- Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Chapman was also flagged on Bumble by another user and he was part of the group of alleged rioters officially banned from the app.
We're told Chapman was banned from Bumble the day after he was reported by another user back in January.
A guy on Bumble didn't just strike out with a woman while trying to impress her -- he got arrested for it, because his pickup line involved the Capitol riot ... according to prosecutors.
According to legal docs ... a man named Robert Chapman began chatting with a woman on Bumble a few days after the January 6 Capitol riots and told her, "I did storm the capitol," adding ... "I made it all the way into Statuary Hall!"
The feds say after he boasted a bit more about doing interviews with the media, the woman simply replied "We are not a match." ... and according to the docs, she turned him in by providing a screenshot of their convo to law enforcement.
Based on the tip -- and some additional info about Chapman allegedly shared on Facebook -- the authorities say they learned he goes by Robert Erick on social media, and they discovered several more potentially incriminating posts.
Prosecutors say in one FB post, Robert said he was leaving "the rotten apple" of NYC to head "down to the District of Criminality to Enjoy some much deserved Entertainment."
A day later, the feds say he posted a photo of himself at the riots along with the caption, "I'M F**KIN INSIDE THE CRAPITOL!!!"
Chapman's now been arrested and charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct on restricted government property. He is one of more than 370 people arrested for involvement in the Capitol riot -- but he's one of few who was nabbed through a dating app.
Congrats ... denied and busted!!!
Originally Published -- 6:51 AM PT
related articles
'Love is Blind' Star Mark Cuevas My Fiancee's Getting Death Threats ... Suspect Arrested
-
Exclusive Details
- 175 shares
"Love is Blind" star Mark Cuevas claims a woman from his fiancee's past is now threatening her and their baby ... and cops have made an arrest.
To better understand his death threat story, Mark says his fiancee -- Aubrey Rainey, who is about to give birth to their son -- was one of the victims of a series of hit-and-run crashes last year in Ohio.
According to Westlake PD PIO Gerald Vogel ... the suspect in those crashes is Shayla Harris and she was charged with attempted murder. He says Harris was involved in 2 other crashes similar to Aubrey's accident.
Vogel tells us Harris was released on bond, and she recently sent Facebook and IG messages to Aubrey threatening her and threatening to kill her unborn child.
We're told Mark and Aubrey filed a police report about Shayla's threats, and she's now been arrested by Westlake Police for misdemeanor aggravated menacing.
In Mark's video -- which was seemingly posted before he knew about the arrest -- he claims Harris sent more than 100 messages referencing Aubrey and their baby.
By the way ... Mark and Aubrey's due date is today.
related articles
Caitlyn Jenner I'm Running for Governor of CALI!!!
-
Breaking News
- 54.5K shares
Caitlyn Jenner is throwing her hat in the ring to become the next governor of California.
There was a lot of talk that she might run and Caitlyn didn't stop the buzz. She made it official Friday, saying, "I have been a compassionate disrupter throughout my life, from representing the United States and winning a gold medal at the Olympics to helping advance the movement for equality. As Californians, we face a now-or-never opportunity to fundamentally fix our state before it’s too late.”
Her path isn't set in cement. There is a petition to recall Governor Gavin Newsom ... a movement that has gained steam in the wake of the pandemic. If the recall movement qualifies for the ballot, California voters will be asked 2 questions. Should Newsom be recalled? If a majority of voters say yes, then the second question is on the table. Who do you want to replace him? That's where Caitlyn's name will land.
Here's the reality ... she has an edge because of her name. You may recall, years ago California Governor Gray Davis was recalled and Arnold Schwarzenegger led the large pack of candidates to become the next governor.
There will almost certainly be a large number of candidates vying for the job, but Caitlyn may be the most famous of the batch, which would give her an edge.
Caitlyn already took a shot at Newsom, saying, "This isn’t the California we know. This is Gavin Newsom’s California, where he orders us to stay home but goes out to dinner with his lobbyist friends." She's obviously referring to Newsom's notorious dinner at the French Laundry.
She's not the only celeb flirting with a governorship. Matthew McConaughey is not only interested in running ... he seems to be leading the pack and even pulling way out ahead of current governor Greg Abbott.
Stay tuned ...
related articles
Rob McElhenney & Kaitlin Olson Daring Dog Rescue!!! Leads to Heartwarming Family Reunion
12:34 PM PT -- TMZ spoke to one of the unsung heroes of this story -- Helen Pitts of Los Angeles Petfinders -- who tells us she helped connect Rob with Chance's family after seeing their missing dog post ... and putting 2 and 2 together with Rob's social media posts.
Helen says Chance had ear infections and suffered burns to his paws from running on the hot asphalt, but he's healing great and is now microchipped.
We're told Petfinders has helped reunite about 5,000 lost pets with their owners.
Rob McElhenney's tale of rescuing a dog and reuniting him with his loving family will help you through ruff times ... especially when you see the pup's tail.
The "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" star says he and his wife -- and 'Sunny' costar -- Kaitlin Olson, stopped traffic on an L.A. freeway when they saw the "handsome motherf**ker" running alone.
After they got the dog -- which looks like a Pit Bull mix -- in their car with the help of another good Samaritan named Bridget, Rob and Kaitlin took him to a vet ... where they learned he wasn't chipped, but he was assigned the name "Brad Pitt" because he's "so damn beautiful."
Rob chronicled Pitt's story on IG, and it gets so much better. He says they decided to rename the pup, Frank Reynolds because of his body type -- an 'Always Sunny' jab at Danny DeVito's character. Then they learned the dog's loving owners were desperately searching for him, and they also learned his real name ... Chance!
Rob says they spoke to the family on the phone and they were crying with joy, and soon after they brought Chance home for the happiest of endings.
As McElhenney puts it ... "Social media may be ripping apart the fabric of our society but ... Sometimes it's pretty great."
The end.
Originally Published -- 9:01 AM PT
related articles
SF Giants Fans Bring Therapy Bunny To Game ... Cutest Spectator Ever?!?
-
Breaking News
- 3.4K shares
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND LOOK AT THIS ADORABLE BUNNY!!!
A pair of San Francisco Giants fans hit up Oracle Park to watch their boys take on the Miami Marlins on Thursday ... and forget the peanuts and crackerjacks, they brought their cute ass therapy rabbit along to enjoy the fun!!
The 4 1/2-month-old bunny named Alex belongs to owners Kei Kato and her fiancé, Josh Row ... who bought the Flemish giant after Kato's brewery restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Career-first: just interviewed a sweet bunny, 4 1/2-month-old therapy bunny Alex, and he gave me a kiss, too. It belongs to Kei Kato, who lost her restaurant during COVID. pic.twitter.com/mcc4i60x8K
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) April 23, 2021 @JanieMcCAP
Alex helps with Kato's anxiety and stress ... and brings joy to the couple's life during the tough times.
The furry friend has been living it up since he joined the family -- from NASCAR races to tubing and kayaking ... and even helped hand out Easter eggs to kids!!
The fun continued when Kato and Row brought Alex to his first baseball game ... and it was a monumental moment -- it's believed he's the VERY FIRST bunny to attend a ballgame at Oracle Park, according to the team.
Alex -- who was wearing a Giants-colored bowtie -- quickly became a fan favorite ... and the Marlins even tried to convert him to their side with some free merch, while SF invited him back as their good luck charm.
Giants CEO Larry Baer also spoke about their new fan ... saying, "Love this therapy bunny," Baer said. "We could all use a therapy bunny right about now!"
So, what's next for the lovable trio?? They're hoping to hit up a Warriors game ... and Golden State has already welcomed Alex with open arms.
Oh, and BTW -- the Giants won, 3-0 ... but Alex is for sure the MVP.
related articles
Police Brutality Numerous Departments Have Duty for Cops to Intervene When Fellow Officers Use Excessive Force
-
Exclusive
- 5.8K shares
ORANGE COUNTY WEDNESDAY
The 3 officers who watched Derek Chauvin choke the life out of George Floyd will soon go on trial for doing nothing to stop the murder. We surveyed a number of police departments around the country to see if they allow/encourage officers to step in when another officer -- even if it's a senior officer -- crosses the line ... like what happened in the O.C. this week.
What we found was interesting. Virtually every department we contacted said they have a policy in place requiring officers to intervene when another cop uses excessive force. The question is, of course, are these regulations really followed? Here's what we found.
MIAMI PD -- "The MDPD has a policy on an officer's duty to intervene. This policy is specific to seeing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which objectively is reasonable ... they are mandated to take action and stop these acts from taking place."
INDIANAPOLIS PD -- "Officers are required to take appropriate action when they are aware of violations of department policies. It does not matter the rank or seniority of the people involved."
5/25/20
NYPD -- "All members of the service must intervene to stop another member of the service from using excessive force. Failure to intervene in the use of excessive force, or report excessive force, or failure to request or ensure timely medical treatment for an individual is serious misconduct that may result in criminal and civil liability and will result in Department discipline, up to and including dismissal."
CHICAGO PD -- "A Department member who directly observes a use of force and identifies the force as excessive or otherwise in violation of this directive will, except in extraordinary circumstances, act to intervene on the person's behalf. Such action may include, but is not limited to, verbally or physically intervening to try and stop the violation."
LAPD -- "Regardless of rank, officers have a duty to intercede and report misconduct."
D.C. POLICE -- "The MPD has policy on an officer's duty to intervene. This policy is specific to seeing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which objectively is reasonable."
ATLANTA PD -- "Any employee present and observing or who becomes aware of another employee exhibiting behaviors or performing actions that violate any department policy ... shall intercede to prevent such behavior or actions, when in a position to do so safely."
DALLAS PD -- "It shall be the duty of every employee present at any scene where physical force is being applied to either stop, or attempt to stop, another employee when force is being inappropriately applied or is no longer required."
CHARLOTTESVILLE PD -- "Any law enforcement officer who, while in the performance of his official duties, witnesses another law enforcement officer engaging or attempting to engage in the use of excessive force against another person shall intervene, when such intervention is feasible, to end the use of excessive force or attempted use of excessive force, or to prevent the further use of excessive force."
NEW ORLEANS PD -- "The core component of the training teaches officers, regardless of rank, to intervene and de-escalate an encounter before harmful action is taken."
OKLAHOMA CITY PD -- "Intervening to prevent excessive force where officers observe another officer using excessive force and they have a realistic and safe opportunity to stop the other officer from using the excessive force, they should attempt to stop the other officer."
We contacted a number of other departments as well, and virtually all of them said they have a policy requiring officers to intervene when they see a fellow cop using excessive force. Furthermore, almost all of the departments say this policy was in place BEFORE the murder of George Floyd.
This raises a serious question ... has this policy been followed and were there consequences for officers who violated it? Judging from the videos and stories over the last few years, it seems like it has not been enforced -- at least in many cases.
related articles
'Friday' Neighborhood 1 Shot, 1 Killed Where Movie Was Filmed
-
Exclusive
- 7.5K shares
Cops are investigating a double shooting -- including one fatality -- in the now-famous L.A. neighborhood where the movie "Friday" was filmed.
According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department ... homicide detectives responded to a shooting call around 11:30 AM on April 20 in South L.A., near 126th and Normandie ... it's the same block where Ice Cube's character lived in the movie.
Cops tell us a man was pronounced dead at the scene, and a woman was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries. Law enforcement sources tell us they were hit in a drive by shooting.
For those not familiar with the area ... this is where Cube's "Friday" character, Craig Jones, chilled and smoked weed with Chris Tucker's character, Smokey. They actually filmed the movie here, not on a studio backlot.
Our law enforcement sources tell us the victims were in the area to check out the house ... remember this happened on 420 and "Friday" is a big deal in marijuana culture.
It's interesting ... we're told some folks in the neighborhood are fed up with the daily traffic as their block's become a tourist attraction.
The Sheriff’s Department is still searching for suspects, and is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact its Homicide Bureau.
related articles
Donald Trump Rips 'RACIST' LeBron After 'You're Next' Post ... 'Focus On Basketball'
-
Breaking News
- 41.8K shares
Donald Trump just went after LeBron James in the wake of his controversial "You're Next" post ... calling the NBA star's words "RACIST" and telling the hooper to stick to sports.
"LeBron James should focus on basketball rather than presiding over the destruction of the NBA, which has just recorded the lowest television RATINGS, by far, in the long and distinguished history of the League,” Trump said in a statement.
“His RACIST rants are divisive, nasty, insulting, and demeaning. He may be a great basketball player, but he is doing nothing to bring our Country together!"
LeBron tweeted -- and later deleted -- a photo of the cop who shot and killed 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant after responding to a violent altercation this week in Columbus, Ohio.
In his post, the Lakers star captioned the pic, "YOU'RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY" ... implying the officer should be prosecuted in a similar fashion to Derek Chauvin.
The problem ... some found the post to be threatening, with the National Fraternal Order of Police -- the biggest police union in the country -- calling it "disgraceful and extremely reckless."
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas added, "LeBron James is inciting violence against an Ohio police officer. This is disgraceful and dangerous."
Trump clearly felt similarly, releasing his scathing statement through his office Thursday night.
James eventually offered an explanation for the post after the backlash, writing in a statement of his own, "I’m so damn tired of seeing Black people killed by police. I took the tweet down because it's being used to create more hate."
"This isn’t about one officer," LeBron continued. "It’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY."
James has been vocal about social injustices and police brutality throughout this NBA career ... leading kneeling demonstrations during the NBA bubble last summer and often providing impassioned post-game and pregame speeches to media about equality.
The 36-year-old has not played in an NBA game since March 20 while battling an ankle injury.
related articles
Rich the Kid Makes It Rain on Rodeo Drive!!! Then Pays Price with Cops
-
Exclusive
- 4.8K shares
Rich the Kid's injecting his own stimulus package ... for those lucky enough to catch it on Rodeo Drive 'cause that's where he was making it rain.
The rapper pulled up in his expensive Rolls-Royce Phantom on Thursday right outside the Burberry and Louis Vuitton stores in Beverly Hills, where he started throwing wads of cash in the air. It wasn't long before a throng of fans -- of the rapper and money, of course -- showed up to catch it.
Our guy asks him how much he's throwing but it's hard to tell if RTK gives a direct answer. He wishes a woman happy birthday before pulling out another wad of bills.
Then, things get interesting ... for Rich, anyway.
You can see near the end of the video he's taking a selfie and 2 police motorcycles pull up behind him. RTK's driver takes off ... and the cops follow right behind him. We never saw the sirens and lights go on, but our law enforcement sources tell us Rich did end up getting a ticket ... for littering. That's gonna cost him a few more dollar bills -- minimum $250, max $1,000 for a first offense.
BTW ... Rich was definitely in a celebratory mood 'cause we're told he had just been inside the Patek Philippe store on the eve of dropping his new track, "Richard Mille Patek."
As for the Phantom, we're told it's a brand new model and around $600k. Rich was cruising around town with his buddy, RD Whittington, who owns celebrity auto and aircraft super-firm Wires Only ... so you gotta imagine he helped hook him up.
Fun fact: There are 2 things you're allowed to litter in Cali ... water and chicken feathers.
related articles
Terrence Clarke NBA Draft Prospect Dead At 19 ... In L.A. Car Crash
-
Exclusive Details
- 15.6K shares
5:44 AM PT -- 4/23 -- NBA star Donovan Mitchell was super close with Clarke and considered him a "little brother."
Mitchell posted a video of one of their last conversations, which happened to have been captured by Slam Online, showing how they would joke with each other about basketball and life.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"We’ve had too many convos like this bro," Mitchell said.
"One thing I can always say bro is your energy was unmatched your vibe was always lit! You were like a Lil brother to me bro just trynna make it to the league live your dream help moms out! You were so close bro so close!"
"I appreciate you for being a dope friend to my little sister man this hurts to even have to write! Rest in paradise lil bro! Gone to soon."
Terrence Clarke -- a 19-year-old University of Kentucky basketball player and a projected 2021 NBA Draft pick -- was killed Thursday in a car accident in Los Angeles, law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.
We're told Clarke was driving a Genesis around 2 PM in the San Fernando Valley when his vehicle was struck by another car ... sending him smashing into a pole and before ultimately slamming into a wall.
Footage from the accident shows Clarke's vehicle completely smashed in.
Former Sierra Canyon standout looks to be walking around and okay. Crazy news today https://t.co/nGqS3d8zKN
— Jack Pollon (@pollonpreps) April 23, 2021 @pollonpreps
Law enforcement sources tell us the accident is being investigated -- but so far, no official cause of the crash has been determined.
We're told Clarke was in Los Angeles with his Kentucky teammate, B.J. Boston -- another NBA Draft prospect.
Boston was reportedly in the car behind Clarke when the accident occurred -- but we're told he's physically okay.
Clarke was rushed to a nearby hospital ... but injuries proved too severe and doctors were unable to save his life. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Terrence -- a 6'7" guard -- was an absolute stud on the hardwood. Rivals rated him a 5-star recruit coming out of high school in New Hampshire ... and ranked him as the #8 overall high school player in the entire country.
He didn't play much at Kentucky -- but he clearly had the talent to succeed at the pro level and recently declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Some experts projected he would be a 2nd-round pick -- with tons of upside.
Tragic story.
RIP.
Originally Published -- 4/22 7:44 PM PT
related articles
Justin Bieber I'm So Lonely ... How About You Prisoners???
-
Exclusive
- 10.4K shares
Justin Bieber knows when it comes to showbiz, ya gotta know your audience ... which probably explains the song he chose to perform at a prison -- a tune that was sure to connect with inmates.
As we first told you ... JB and his pastor paid a visit to California State Prison in L.A. County to support the prison's faith-based programs -- but until we got this video, we didn't know he'd belted out any hits for them.
Now, we know Justin did a short set during his trip last month, and it included an acoustic rendition of his single, "Lonely."
We're told Bieber sang 3 or 4 of his songs, focusing on slower tracks that translate better with an acoustic guitar accompanying him ... but it's hard to imagine any of his lyrics hitting harder with the inmates than, "I'm so lonely."
We're told by people who were present that Bieber's mini unplugged set was emotional, empathetic and had him on the verge of tears. It was well received by the inmates and followed by a sermon.
As we reported ... Justin's visit also included some time outside in the yard sitting in a circle and listening to speakers, all part of his mission to spread the gospel.
related articles
Digital Underground's Shock G Dead at 57
-
Exclusive Details
- 272.5K shares
Shock G, famous for Digital Underground's hit song "The Humpty Dance" and his work with Tupac Shakur, is dead.
The rap legend was found dead Thursday in a hotel room in Tampa ... according to his father, Edward Racker.
We're told the cause of death is unclear but there were no signs of trauma. Shock's father says authorities will conduct and autopsy.
Shock G was the lead singer for the pioneering hip hop group Digital Underground, and he gets into character as his alter ego, "Humpty Hump," for the group's famous 1989 song and dance.
Shock was also known for his collabs with 2Pac ... he's featured on Pac's 1993 song "I Get Around" and he was one of the producers on Tupac's 1991 debut solo album, "2Pacalypse Now."
In fact, Shock G helped introduce 2Pac to the music world ... Pac was a member of Digital Underground when he appeared on the group's 1991 song and music video, "Same Song," for his first published work.
Shock G was born and raised on the East Coast, but he eventually settled in Oakland, where he formed Digital Underground in the late 1980s with Chopmaster J and Kenneth Water.
In addition to his work with 2Pac, Shock G produced songs for Dr. Dre, Prince and KRS-One, just to name a few.
Shock G was 57.
RIP
related articles
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Arrested for Domestic Violence
-
Exclusive
- 24.9K shares
6:08 AM PT -- 4/23 -- Jenn has been reunited with the couple's daughter after making the drive from Vegas. She posted a photo holding Ariana, saying she'll comfort her daughter "as long as she needs it."
8:15 PM PT -- Ronnie was released at 7:18 after posting bail, which was set at $100,000. According to a law enforcement source, he was picked up and left in the white Mercedes our camera caught leaving the police station.
3:55 PM PT -- A source close to Jenn tells us she was not involved, and was in Las Vegas when Ronnie was arrested. We're told Ronnie was taking care of he and Jenn's daughter, Ariana, at the time of the incident, but she's now with his brother ... and Jenn is on the way to pick her up.
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is in police custody after cops say he was involved in a domestic violence incident ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us the "Jersey Shore" star was busted Thursday in Los Angeles for felony domestic violence.
The arrest is seriously bad news for Ronnie, because he's currently on probation. As we first told you, he got 36 months probation as part of a plea deal he copped last year in a previous domestic violence case involving his ex, Jenn Harley.
It's unclear if Jenn was involved in this alleged incident. Ronnie avoided jail last time, but getting arrested while on probation could churn up a whole host of problems for him.
Ronnie's attorney, Scott Leemon, tells TMZ, "We have just learned of the new allegations against Ronnie and need some additional time to further investigate. As such, we will not be making any other statements at this time.”
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 4/22 3:19 PM PT
related articles
Stefon Diggs' Mercedes Found Abandoned Near Train Tracks NFL Star Denies Wrongdoing
-
Exclusive
- 668 shares
Stefon Diggs' flashy Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was found abandoned near train tracks in Miami over the weekend, TMZ Sports has learned ... but the NFL star is denying any wrongdoing in the situation.
Here's the deal ... law enforcement officials tell us they responded to a call of an abandoned vehicle sitting in dirt just feet from train tracks near the Miami Airport Station in Florida at around 5 AM on Sunday.
According to officials, the car -- a silver Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV with Maryland license plates -- was registered to Diggs.
But, authorities say there was no indication of the Buffalo Bills receiver, a driver OR passengers on the scene ... so after a short investigation, they simply had the vehicle towed.
The entire situation is bizarre ... especially given the Mercedes' six-figure price tag -- but when we reached out to Diggs' camp for comment, they had a simple explanation.
According to a spokesperson for the wideout, Diggs was not in Florida at the time, and had lent the car to a friend in the area.
That friend, the spokesperson said, got a flat tire, called for a tow, but did not wait for the company to arrive and left the ride at the scene.
"[Stefon] was not driving the car," Diggs' rep says. "He allowed a friend to use the car while he was gone. Unfortunately, the friend had got a flat tire with the car."
The rep says Diggs was eventually informed of the situation and is now having the car repaired at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
Diggs' spokesperson was adamant the car was NOT stolen, and added there was absolutely no wrongdoing involved in the incident.
Cops, meanwhile, say a report on the abandoned car is still pending. It's unclear if police are investigating further into it.
Diggs -- who's been known to train in Miami to prepare for NFL seasons -- had a career year in Buffalo in 2020, logging 127 catches for 1,535 receiving yards and 8 TDs.